My Sasja Lee Weekend

I wrote about Sasja Lee, aka Sassy, over two years ago.  We bonded over In-N-Out on Facebook and we have been FB buddies ever since.  Last weekend, Sasja came to San Francisco to dance at Volare Variety and teach some workshops, so we got to hang out a little bit. 



Cast of Volare

Sasja has been tearing up the competition circuit this past year.  I watched her win California Pole Dance Championship last year and she has been pretty much winning every competition since.  I really don't know what she can't do.  I understand she won CPDC just days after being in a horrible car accident!  Beast mode.  Seriously. 

Anyway, after Volare, Sasja and SeanMichael rode back on BART with Rita and me, where they gave BART riders a thrilling public trans shoulder mount experience.  It was so funny!  I got photos but I guess video would have been better -- maybe next time!  It turned out that Sasja was eager to ride BART after reading on Facebook about some of my "awesome" experiences. 

shoulder mount on BART

The next morning, Sasja did two workshops at Twirly Girls.  I pretty much judge my workshop experience based on how an instructor treats me after the class has advanced beyond my skills (which will happen in most workshops and I am okay with it).  We were learning a little routine.  After she taught each piece, Sasja would come around and watch each of us do the move.  We finally got to a point where you would invert, pike, then go into superman.  I giggled.  Time for me to check out!  So she gets to my pole and she says, your turn!  I said, yeah right.  She goes, no seriously, try it!  So I went to get my woody band seat belt and I got myself upside down.  She says, now let go and grab above your leg.  I said, you're crazy.  She said she's heard that before.  HA!  Look, once I'm upside down, I need all my arms and legs to hold on for dear life.  I'm not ready to let go yet.  I really, really appreciated her continuing to include me in the class, and I feel like I learned so much even once the routine was more advanced than I could do.  I really do appreciate those instructors who continue to include me even though I can't do all the moves.  It is a small effort and makes a dancer who struggles with moves like I do feel like I am still part of class.  I still got some pretty awesome bruises that I've been proudly showing off to anyone who will look. 

That being said, for the last 20 minutes, I did just go to the back room and start stretching.  Perhaps a brutal yoga class right before a 90 minute Sasja Lee workshop wasn't my best choice that day! 

I really wish I had been able to spend more time with Sasja during her trip.  I swear, I'm going to win the lottery someday and just start hanging out with these cool people who have such interesting lives!

Have you ever taken a workshop with Sasja?  Tell me about it in the comments section!

Covering up Sasja's amazing arms

Getting ready for the BART shoulder mount

Our class

My tiny sister

 

That's me!!!  This bruise is the most fantastic!

California Pole Dance Championship - 2013

The fifth annual California Pole Dance Championship was held in Los Angeles, California on November 3, 2013.

As I was down in LA for Comikaze, I decided to extend my stay for one night and go to the competition. 

The competition was slated to be held at Circus Hollywood.  Literally one day before the competition, I started seeing posts on Facebook that the venue had changed (to Arena Hollywood, which is in the same parking lot at least).  Also the time was moved up by an hour and a half or so, which bummed me out since I was supposed to go watch a panel on women and size diversity at Comikaze.  I was also disappointed because I never got an e-mail announcing the time change.  If I hadn't noticed the posts on Facebook, I would never have known.  I found out later, that was because I was not on "the list."  Luckily, I was able to show the door the receipt for my $99 ticket and my reserved seat had been left empty, so there was no harm, no foul.  

My shirt from Poleitical Clothing

It was great to run into Leen Isabel and Danielle of Poleitical Clothing, two of the vendors with tables.  I know there were a couple of other vendors there but I didn't have a chance to stop by the tables.  There was also a photobooth there.  They were asking us to pose with stickers from United Pole Artists, so I hope the photos will be published on their website at some point. 

The Circus nightclub is a much larger venue than Arena.  I felt like the tables were really squashed together in order to get the same number of people into Arena.  The stage was also smaller and there was no awesome sparkly background.  At the same time, watching an event of this magnitude in a smaller venue is kind of cool and makes everyone feel like they have a front row seat.  It appears that the venue was at fault for over-booking.  CPDC was forced to start earlier and literally the minute the show was over, the lights went on and everyone was told to go home so they could set up for the next event.  Considering how many events Anjel has now done with this club, you would think they would have a little more respect for her.  I seriously hope she was given a large refund for this mistake.  Despite all of this, the club was packed and the show went on!  I saw Nadia Sharif (last year's winner) working her booty off as she hustled around the club keeping everything on schedule. 

There was no video allowed at this event so I haven't been able to go back and re-watch performances to give a better reaction.  If you are interested in watching performances, I believe United Pole Artists and MFEO.tv are offering them for 99 cents.  Therefore, I am commenting on this contest only by memory and notes.  My phone also didn't take many great photos because the lighting was whiting everything out. 

Judging this competition: Natasha Wang, Mina Mortezaie, Amy Guion, Flying Laura Martin, Kelly Maglia and Josiah "BadAzz" Grant.   BadAzz started the show off with a reprise of his winning Midwest Prince routine.  And Flying Laura closed the show in the only way she knows how -- with her bad ass flying tricks and spins. 

Neo Division

Neo (amateur) category included: Drusilla Ray, Nancy Ly, Uyen Hoang (took third place in amateur division in 2012), Moana Moon, Tehera Nesfield, Jhasmynne Hider, Candi Vastlik, Venus Manuel, Adrienne Strauss, Heather West and Margarita Evans.  

Dru

First off, let me start by saying holy f*cking $hit.  The Neo category was off the hook, and these performers could hardly be called amateur.  I counted at least four performers out of eleven attempting a Fonji.  THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AMATEURS.  I was caught between being ridiculously impressed and slightly frustrated that these are supposed to be the non-professional competitors.  They completely raised the bar for competitions in the pole community.  I still remember when I saw Natasha Wang do a Fonji for the first time and I was like, that is some voodoo magic and I can't believe I just saw her flip on the pole like that!  But that's Natasha-Freaking-Wang.  Now the "beginners" are doing it??  Let me also say that, despite this being a competition, it seemed like some were willing to sacrifice fluidity for the shock of a crazy trick.  There was a lot of slipping out of moves in both categories, which I realize you can't always control, and must be insanely frustrating for the competitors, especially at this level.  But at this level, I did have high expectations for quality routines.  I would like to see cleaner routines, and less dramatic tricks for a more well-rounded performance.  If you are starting with a Fonji, where do you go from there??  I guess maybe a Death Lay into Fonji into Spatchcock, then just dance off stage because no one can beat that with a stick and you win!

Indeed, I felt like the winners did put on well-rounded, and often emotional performances.  Margarita took first (with her cooking-themed routine, which I saw showcased at Pole Expo in Las Vegas; she was also crowned Champion in Level 3/Senior at Pacific Pole Championship earlier this year).   Venus (one of my personal favorite people in general) took second with her very, very emotional routine.  She also won People's Choice Award from Mighty Grip and X-Pole.  Moana placed third.  She also had a very beautiful routine. 

Pro Division

Pro category include: Shelly Lamb, Brandon Rosario, Sasja Lee, Brynn Route, Lily Huang (took first in amateur division in 2012), Stacey Craven (took second place in amateur division in 2012), Drea Roers, Crystal Gibson, Amanda Rose and Katherine Voorhees (not listed on the program).  Side note:  To see other past winners, click HERE. 

First off, little Amanda Rose sailed on to the pole competition circuit only this year after turning 18.  Keep an eye on her.  She has big things coming.  I believe adding Brandon to the pro line-up is the first step in adding a men's division to future CPDC competitions.  I was also slightly saddened that only one Northern California poler made it into the entire competition.  Congratulations to Shelly Lamb for representing all of Nor Cal.

BadAzz

After such a shocking Neo Division, I wasn't really sure what to expect with the Pros.  Will they dangle from the ceiling and do a death drop while twirling a baton of fire?  Will they have back-up dancers and sing while they pole?  I really didn't know where the Pros could go after what we had already witnessed.  What I believe we ended up getting are the well-rounded, story-driven routines that won for those in Neo Division.  There was, in fact, only one Spatchcock that I counted.  And I believe I stopped counting Fonji's, so I couldn't even tell you if any of the Pros did one!  I will be writing a post after this one about how Fonji is the new Spatchcock (just my personal commentary on where the future of competitive pole might be headed), so check it out. 

Sasja Lee (another one of my favorite people in general) took first place.  She also won Most Athletic.  Amanda Rose took second place with her energetic routine.  She also won Most Artistic and Most Entertaining.  Brynn Route took third, and also won Most Flexible.  Crystal Gibson (another of my favorites) won X-Pole and Glitter Heel's Miss Congeniality award. 

All-in-all, despite the last-minute monkey wrench, this was another fun pole event.  I am really glad I stuck around to watch and thank you to Nadia and Anjel for a great event!

Do you agree with my assessment of the performances?  If you watched any of them, let me know what you thought! 

Pole Dancing with the beautiful Sasja Lee

I first started seeing posts on Facebook from Sasja to Shelly Lamb.  Then I was in LA last year and "checked in" at In-N-Out.  Sasja commented and we've been fast Facebook friends ever since (she was actually a fan of In-N-Out, but once you see her body, you won't believe her because I still don't)!  I wasn't exactly sure how her name was pronounced, so I always called her "Sassy" in my head.  Shelly assures me its more like "Sasha," but I like Sassy so I will keep calling her that.  Welcome Sasja (or Sasj) to our circle!!

I understand you are from Kingston, Jamaica...when did you come to the United States?

Yes, I am indeed. I initially moved to the States with my family at age 3, returned home and came back at the age of 10. I've in LA most of my life, but always an Islander.

I believe you have been pole dancing for three years -- how did you get into it?

Yes, I just made 3yrs December 2011. I went with a friend of mine who thought it'd be a fun, new way to get some exercise. Which is a joke in itself, 'cause I believed shopping to be my cardio.

I ended up falling in love with pole dancing and shortly thereafter, was asked to become an instructor. My friends who've known me over the past 16+ years and attend my classes still laugh at the fact that I of all people could be conducting stretch and lead a class in fitness. The flip side is, they're also very inspired. If I can do it, anyone can.

Girl Next Door photo credit: Mike Quain www.quainphoto.com

Where are you teaching now?

I'm currently teaching at Evolve Dance Studio and Crunch Gym. I love my pole family. Both the staff and students welcomed me with open arms and have made teaching that much more enjoyable and rewarding. I have been given the opportunity to connect with men and women beyond the skill, and learn so much about myself from them in the process as well.

What advice do you give your brand new dancers?

Have fun! Remember what attracted you to the art in the first place. Believe in yourself, push yourself (healthily), and with anything else, only surround yourself with those who support your greater good.

Which move is your nemesis?

No move in particular, every move in general. Lol! I'm always seeing tricks and transitions that are very physically challenging that I'd like to learn. Then, I try to put my stank on it to change it up a bit. So, it's never-ending. I love a challenge, and the many bruises it takes to master that challenge.

Do you compete?

I've participated in a few competitions. My favorite experience and most unexpected was US Pole Dance Federation-West Coast Regionals. I submitted my freestyle video 30 minutes before the deadline, and was beyond shocked when I made it in. I also made it to the top 5. Being in the company of such talented, supportive women was wonderful. And I've made lifelong friends through my participation.

Now, I'm more drawn to showcases, such as the fabulous production: Girls Next Door: A Pole Dance Soiree by Kelly Yvonne. It is a well-rounded, tasteful production that represents women of all backgrounds.  Blood, sweat and tears go into it every show each month, and I'm appreciative to be a part of it. It's the perfect forum in which to learn and grow.

Furthermore, besides politics, I believe competitions have taken on a different focus recently. I often ask, if one isn't a trained gymnast, ballerina, or contortionist, where do you fit into a competition nowadays?

What do you do for down time?

What is this "down time" you speak of?

Tell us one thing about you that people might be surprised to hear.

My right hook has sent two grown men to the floor. And this was before I had these biceps by pole. Lol! BTW, it was all in fun. They were teaching me how to throw. Mission accomplished, I suppose.

What does 2012 hold for you?

With regard to pole dancing, I am determined to learn spinning pole this year. I do believe mounting the pole on spin mode without screaming can be considered progress. I'm well on my way! I would also like to perform as much as possible this year.

I also design custom swim wear, Sancia Rose, which is expanding to retail stores in 2012.

Thank you for being part of my blog.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you so much for having me, Lori. Next time you're in town, In-N-Out and pole play. Not necessarily in that order. :-)